Introduced to America by the Colonists, catnip has a long history in herbal apothocaries. Among a myriad of uses catnip tea is relaxing and soothing, especially effective in children. Most cats, on the other hand, are aroused by its signature potent minty scent that mimics cat pheromones, rubbing and rolling on the plant and eating it in apparent abandon. After 30 minutes or so they become temporaryily immune to its effects, a good thing as some cats can demolish the plants. Kittens, however, dislike catnip. Easy to grow, it can be pinched to cultivate a bushy form full of leaves, not flowers, preventing it from reseeding excessively. Attracts the beneficial insect soldier beetles.

Plant in masses for loads of morning-fragrant golden yellow blooms atop curvy gray-green foliage. Deliciously scented of cocoa. A summer blooming perennial in most areas, it blooms year-round in frost free zone 10. Native to Texas, it was first collected by botanist and doctor Jean-Louis Berlandier in the early 1800s. For regular, well-drained dry to average moisture soils, prefers neutral to alkaline pH soils.

We grow this fragrant vine on our gazebo, and by fall the gazebo disappears in a froth of fragrant white blossoms. Fluffy silvery seed heads follow the bloom. The leaves are a leathery dark green. Wonderful! Prune to 1-2' tall in early spring as leaf buds begin to show, removing all dead stems above the buds.

For the kid in us, a deliciously chocolate scented cosmos flower! The species was illustrated in Curtis' Botanical Magazine in 1883. This choice selection is more compact and flowers summer to fall. Maximum flowers in areas with warm days and cool nights. Grow in regular to rich well-drained soils; avoid wet clay soils as they may rot in such conditions. Develops a tuberose root that can be overwintered like dahlias in damp sand in a cool area. Keeping over will result in more robust plants the following years.

One of my favorite herbs, creeping thyme spreads quickly. When combined with other thymes and low creepers, it creates an oriental carpet of color and scent. The dark green, shiny leaves and lavender-pink flowers cascade over stone walls and containers in short order. Use in potpourri and in the kitchen.

This vespertine beauty has furled petals of lilac striped with deepest purple that twist open at dusk, in the evening, releasing a powerful lily-like fragrance. These upward facing flowers bloom all summer, thriving in summer heat and are drought tolerant once established.

A sparkling white selection for the evening garden, or wherever the purity of white blossoms and light green leaves is appreciated. The trumpet-shaped flowers are lightly citrus scented, and bloom in clusters all summer.

Jefferson received this seed from its native southwest and grew it at Monticello—perhaps he was as captivated by it as we are. Outrageous curvy pink stamens dotted at the tips with orange pollen reach out a good 2" from the magenta throated white trumpets. A sweet orange blossom scent draws nighttime visitors, human and invertebrate alike! Grow in moonlit gardens or in pots placed on the patio. Stake in more fertile soils to underpin its relaxed bushy growth. Tuberous roots.

Described in a seed catalog of 1889 as "leaves light green, marbled, very ornamental." Slightly later to bloom than other selections, the chartreuse foliage taking center stage until the neon pink flowers appear. Sweet, orange-blossom scent.

A delicious, sweet, orange-blossom scent is cast on the air every afternoon as these rare, striped, trumpet-shaped flowers open. This rare selection features the striped flowers that so enraptured past generations of gardeners. The scented flowers attract hummingbirds by day and moths by night.

Our cat takes delight in freshly dug plants, chewing on the root and playing as if madly inspired. The pungent, rope-like roots seem to have enthralled rats and it has been suggested that the famous Pied Piper of Hamelin owed his irresistible power over rats to the fact that he secreted valerian roots about his person. Vanilla-scented white flowers warm the evening air with a delicate fragrance that only can be appreciated from afar, as up-close, they have an unusual tangy scent. Listed in an 1839 catalog. Self sows. Sorry cannot ship to CT/WI.

Garland chrysanthemums are rich with history, utilized for their potent medicinal qualities and nutrition packed leaves and, as the name suggests, as traditional adornments. We think the creamy yellow flowers look like little roses that sit atop the strong growing plants, really coming into their own as days shorten.

A sensational almond extract fragrance emanates from the lilac blooms, sweetening the warm summer air, especially as evening draws close. This old-fashioned favorite graced our fragrant garden this year and drew the attentions of both Tiger Swallowtails and Black Swallowtails, tipping this way and that as they clung to the flower clusters to feast on nectar. Poisonous.

We lust after Victorian golden-leaved varieties such as the French variety Albert Delaux, described in 1892. Sadly, it has not been rediscovered. This scrumptious variety has fragrant, vanilla-scented violet flowers in sprays bloom atop the tall stems. Handsome, crinkly dark green leaves are tinged with purple. Water and fertilize regularly and evenly. Poisonous.

E.A. Bowles was never without heliotrope, he wrote in 1914, 'I must have it for my nose's sake, so two beds are filled with it, one with a light colored and the other with a dark form, and I don't know which enjoys them most, I or the white butterflies.' Dark purple flowers and light scent. An excellent container or garden plant. Poisonous.